Disable Remote Desktop Services (TermService) on a gaming PC
Short answer
UpdatedTermService lets other computers sign in to this PC with Remote Desktop. This tweak disables it. It sets the TermService service to Disabled.
TermService Remote Desktop Services
Startup typeManualDisabled
What it does
TermService lets other computers sign in to this PC with Remote Desktop. This tweak disables it.
In the app the switch is called "Disable Remote Desktop Services", described there as: Removes RDP listeners/session brokering overhead (if unused).
When it helps, and when it hurts
When it helps
- Security: a PC that never accepts Remote Desktop connections has that door closed.
When it hurts
- You cannot connect to this PC with Remote Desktop.
- Some remote support tools and fast user switching features rely on it.
What it writes
Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.
| Service | With the tweak | Switching it off |
|---|---|---|
| TermServiceRemote Desktop Services | Disabled | Manual |
From the app's source (termservice_off.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .
The same change by hand
You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.
sc config "TermService" start= disabledsc config "TermService" start= demandHow to undo it
In the app: Yes
Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. It sets TermService to Manual.
Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.
Verdict
Recommended if you never remote into the PC. The reason is security, not speed.
Questions
- What does the "Disable Remote Desktop Services" tweak change in Windows?
- It sets the TermService service to Disabled.
- Is "Disable Remote Desktop Services" safe to switch on?
- Recommended if you never remote into the PC. The reason is security, not speed. The main cost: You cannot connect to this PC with Remote Desktop.
- How do I undo it?
- Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
- Is "Disable Remote Desktop Services" free in Frozen Tweaks?
- It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.
In the app
- Switch
- Disable Remote Desktop Services
- Category
- Security
- Plan
- Pro
- Undo
- Yes
Related guides
- Is PC Optimization Software Safe? What to Check Before InstallingThe honest answer depends on one question: does the tool touch your games, or only your operating system? Here is how to tell, and what to verify first.7 min read
- Windows 11 Gaming Optimization: What Still Works in 2026An honest audit of Windows 11 gaming tweaks: which settings still measurably help in 2026, which are placebo, and which quietly cost you security.8 min read
More tweak explainers
- Location accessWindows location services let apps and Windows itself read where the PC is. What the tweak changes, when it helps, when it hurts and how to undo it.2 min read
- Advertising IDThe advertising ID is a per-user identifier Windows gives to apps so ads can be targeted across them. What it changes, when it hurts, and how to undo it.2 min read
- Windows RecallRecall is the Copilot+ PC feature that saves snapshots of your screen every few seconds so you can search them later. What it changes and how to undo it.2 min read
Written by
Frost LIVEFounder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.
In the app
- Category
- Security
- Plan
- Pro
- Undo
- Yes
Frozen Tweaks
Free for Windows 10 and 11
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.
The free Windows app for competitive games.
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Frozen Tweaks runs on Windows. Send the link to your PC and download it there.
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.